5 Oct 2015

Another game, another injury problem, and this time, it's Liverpool goalscorer Danny Ings who has picked up a niggling issue.

After the game, Ings confirmed his injury, when he told the BBC:

"I struggled through the game. I just got my ankle caught in Phil Jagielka's legs when he made an excellent tackle. It will be assessed but should be fine".

Ings went off at after 76 minutes, but it's unclear whether it was tactical or injury-related.

If Ings 'struggled through the game', why was he on the field until the 76th minute? Additionally, if Rodgers knew about the issue at half time, then why didn't he make a change?

Ings was pretty anonymous in the second half, and it's possible that the injury had an impact on his ability to influence the game.

It's now three goals in eight games for Ings, which makes him Liverpool's top scorer (which, admittedly, is no great achievement this season):

* 1 goal every 169 minutes (One every 2.6 games)

* Extrapolated across the season, if Ings continues at his current rate, he'll end the year with 15 goals (based on a 40-game season).

The big question is, what happens when Christian Benteke returns?

According to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, the Belgian should make way. Speaking to Sky Sports this week, Carra noted:

"He [Ings] has made a massive difference. He is pressing people, running behind, making the game quicker. The way Ings is playing, it will be difficult for Brendan Rodgers to get him [Benteke] in the team...when he comes back "

With the international break, Benteke has another two weeks to get back to fitness, and it's possible he'll be available for the trip to White Hart Lane.

Given his price tag, Liverpool's new manager will probably start Benteke for that game, but after his goal today, Ings should stay in the team, even if Benteke is fit.

As I always argue, goalscorers should always stay in the team, especially strikers, and if anyone should make way for Benteke, it's Sturridge, who is still struggling to get back to full match-fitness.